We are delighted to welcome Mrs Katy MacKrell as the new Head of Prep at Rookwood. With a wealth of experience in education, a passion for character development, and a strong belief in nurturing young learners, Mrs MacKrell is already proving to be a wonderful addition to the Rookwood community. Find out what brought her to Rookwood, her experience, and what she enjoys outside of school.
What attracted you to our school, and what excites you most about being here?
I was attracted to Rookwood because it is set in such a lovely location and, when I came to look around, the staff and children were so polite, so welcoming and so happy that I immediately knew that I would be very happy working here.
What skills and experience do you bring to your role as Head of Prep?
I started my teaching career in 1999 and have gained experience across a range of settings, from leafy Knutsford in Cheshire to Whitechapel in London. In 2021, I became the Deputy Headteacher at LVS Ascot Independent School and later progressed to Senior Deputy Head, overseeing the Infant and Junior School of 200 children.
Seeking a new challenge in a different environment, I came across the advert for Head of Prep at Rookwood. My varied experience has allowed me to develop a broad skill set, having taught every year group from Nursery to Year 6. Leading a prep school as Senior Deputy Head has given me deep insight into the intricacies (and madness) of working with young people every day.
I have a passion for educational technology and, for the past three years, have introduced blended learning as part of a Microsoft Showcase school. Music and performing arts, particularly singing, have always been close to my heart. Colleagues describe me as approachable, organised, and kind (though my own children might have a different opinion!).
A lifelong learner, I have trained in British Sign Language and serve as Vice-Chair of the governing body at my son’s school, offering me a different strategic perspective on education.
I am deeply passionate about character education. Through my work with Round Square – a global network of schools – I believe that empathy, problem-solving, initiative, independence, and resilience are essential for children’s success in an ever-changing world. That is why I am so excited that the Rookwood ASPIRE values mirror this belief.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My mum was always a teacher and, later, a Head and she tells me that I honed my ‘teacher voice’ very early in life. I remember sitting in her classroom after school, pretending to mark her maths books. When I started training, I realised that no two days would ever be the same and that I would learn a lot more from the children than they would ever learn from me! I’m so glad I did train, because I love my job.
What one thing would you like parents to know about you as you start in your new role?
I would like everybody to know that, as a working mum of two, I know how vital it is that you trust the people looking after your children every day and that I always have their absolute best interests at heart. I’d also like people to know that ‘what you see is what you get’ and that, if anyone has any concerns or any questions, my door is always open and I would ask them to pop in and have a chat.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
Outside school, I love reading and playing my new piano, which I received for Christmas! I also love to go on bike rides with my two children and indulging my 12-year-old daughter’s new obsession with shopping.
